The IPL 2025 final was a tough pill to swallow for Punjab Kings (PBKS), but head coach Ricky Ponting couldn’t be prouder of his young, fearless squad. Even though they fell just six runs short against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), he remains optimistic about the future. Ricky Ponting’s vision for PBKS reflects his belief that this is only the beginning of an exciting journey, with greater success just around the corner.
A lot of their batting power came from a group of young, fearless Indian players. The only one with substantial international experience was Shreyas Iyer. Josh Inglis had a few games under his belt, while Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis took on more supportive roles. Despite that, the team played with a bold spirit throughout the season.
But then, something shifted in the final. They started slow, with PBKS only managing to score 32 without losing a wicket after four overs. Coach Ricky Ponting described it as a smart move, not a sign of nerves.“They were aware that Hazlewood was on the prowl for an early wicket.” He supported the decision, but admitted the fourth over was a missed chance. “If you get a quiet one over, the next one has to be attacked. We didn’t.”
The whole game changed when Phil Salt pulled off that amazing catch off Priyansh Arya right by the boundary.“That catch changed the match,” Ponting remarked.
After that moment, PBKS just couldn’t keep up. Even with a valiant effort, they finished at 184/7 while chasing a target of 191. But Ponting wasn’t let down at all. He stood strong in support of his players.
“These boys have shown Daring, Dynamic, and Different,” he remarked. “From the very beginning, I told them, don’t be afraid of failure. Don’t shy away from getting out.” He commended Arya, Prabhsimran, and Nehal Wadhera for their development. “They’ve been playing some thrilling cricket. That brings me immense joy as a coach.”
Ponting admitted that a bit more experience might have made the difference, but he remained confident in his young squad. “We’ll be back. These boys will win us many games,” he said. Ricky Ponting’s vision for PBKS in 2026 is a more mature and dynamic team that builds on this fearless spirit and converts close finishes into trophies. Punjab may have missed the title, but they won hearts, and with their fearless spirit, the future looks bright.
